Santa Rosa Local Info

Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County located in the North Bay region of the Bay Area in California. The city, located 50 miles north of San Francisco serves as a vibrant travel hub within California's Wine Country and the broader Bay Area region. As the largest city in Sonoma County and Redwood Coast, it offers convenient access to a wealth of attractions, including renowned wineries, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks.

Santa Rosa's Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport provides convenient air travel options for visitors arriving from other parts of California or beyond. From here, travelers can easily access major cities like San Francisco and Oakland, as well as popular tourist destinations throughout the state.

Additionally, Santa Rosa boasts a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, making it an ideal base for embarking on wine tours, exploring nearby natural wonders such as the Russian River and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, or indulging in outdoor activities like swimming, hiking and cycling in the surrounding hills and valleys.

Downtown Santa Rosa is the bustling heart of the city, offering a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks. Santa Rosa, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers several notable places to explore:

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens: Visit the former home and gardens of renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank, where you can see his experiments and innovations in plant breeding.

Charles M. Schulz Museum: Pay homage to the creator of Peanuts comics at this museum dedicated to Charles M. Schulz. Explore original comic strips, interactive exhibits, and learn about the life and work of this beloved cartoonist.

Russian River Brewing Company: Beer enthusiasts won't want to miss a visit to Russian River Brewing Company, famous for its award-winning craft beers, including the iconic Pliny the Elder IPA.

Railroad Square Historic District: Take a stroll through Railroad Square, a charming historic district filled with Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in old train depots.

Sonoma County Museum: Dive into the local history and culture of Sonoma County at the Sonoma County Museum, featuring exhibits on art, history, and innovation.

Historic Railroad Square: Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of Historic Railroad Square, where you can shop, dine, and admire historic architecture while soaking in the ambiance of this vibrant district.

Howarth Park: Perfect for families, Howarth Park offers a range of recreational activities, including playgrounds, a miniature train ride, paddleboat rentals, and a scenic lake for picnicking and relaxation.

Spring Lake Regional Park: Enjoy outdoor recreation at Spring Lake Regional Park, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, and boating opportunities amidst scenic landscapes.

Annadel State Park: Explore the natural beauty of Annadel State Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and scenic hiking trails.

Safari West: Experience a taste of Africa in Sonoma County at Safari West, located 12 miles north of the city of Santa Rosa. Embark on guided tours through this 400-acre private wildlife preserve, home to over 900 exotic animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs.

Santa Rosa was founded in 1833 by Mexican colonists on ancestral lands of the Bitakomtara, a populous tribe of Pomo people. The city was named after Saint Rose of Lima. The Carrillo family established the first known permanent European settlement in the area, building an adobe house on their Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa land grant, received from the Mexican government. Livestock raising was common, and animals were slaughtered near the confluence of Santa Rosa Creek and Matanzas Creek, giving rise to the name Matanzas Creek.

By the 1850s, after California became a state following the Mexican-American War, Santa Rosa saw growth with the establishment of a Wells Fargo post and general store downtown. Prominent locals laid out the grid street pattern, and the city was officially incorporated in 1867, becoming the third incorporated city in Sonoma County.

Santa Rosa grew steadily in the late 19th century, becoming the eighth-largest city in California by the 1870 census. However, its growth slowed compared to other emerging population centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California by the turn of the 20th century.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake left downtown Santa Rosa in ruins, yet the city's population remained relatively intact. Despite this, the growth of Santa Rosa, along with much of the surrounding area, was sluggish in the aftermath. However, Santa Rosa experienced a resurgence in growth following World War II, partly due to its role as the site for Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Santa Rosa. Additionally, Santa Rosa's proximity to San Francisco made it a convenient destination for travelers heading to the nearby Russian River, further stimulating growth in the post-war era.

Today, Santa Rosa stands as a vibrant city in California's Wine Country and Redwood Coast region, boasting a population of over 178,000 as of the 2020 census. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural surroundings, Santa Rosa offers residents and visitors alike a blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures.

The city's downtown area has been revitalized since the devastation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, now featuring a mix of historic buildings, modern architecture, boutique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Old